Cover For A Roof Ventilation Vent

ABSTRACT

A cover for installation onto a roof ventilation vent is provided including a substantially rigid planar base member, at least one side member, and at least one securing member configured with holes adapted to receive fastening elements. The fastening elements are preferably permanently mounted to the building and utilized with corresponding nuts to removably mount the vent cover over the roof ventilation vent. The width, length, and depth of the vent cover are slightly larger than the width, length, and depth of the roof ventilation vent to allow the vent cover to fit over the ventilation vent. The roof ventilation vent cover is designed to removably cover the ventilation vent to prevent a pressure differential, flying debris damage, and water intrusion during hurricanes, to prevent airborne embers from entering during a firestorm, and to protect the vent against accidental paint splatters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/918,730, filed Mar. 19, 2007, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the building industry, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, it relates to a temporary, removable cover adapted to block a roof ventilation vent when desired, for example, to protect the vent and/or roof from wind, water, flying debris, and/or airborne embers from hurricanes, storms, and wildfires.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Adequate roof ventilation for residential and commercial buildings is important. It saves money on air-conditioning, helps prevent ice dams caused by uneven heat distribution, and provides fresh air to prevent condensation, mold, and mildew problems in the roof and/or attic. Therefore, a conventional building construction practice is to install sufficient roof ventilation vents, for example, soffit vents (intake vents) in the lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall and gable end vents (exhaust vents) at the end of a pitched roof (as illustrated in FIG. 1).

While roof ventilation is essential for optimum functioning of a house or building, at times soffit vents, gable end vents, and other roof ventilation vents can prove to be a detriment to that same house or building. For example, hurricanes or other intense storms regularly produce a strong wind blowing from one direction. The high pressure from the substantially unidirectional wind forces air into the vents on one side of the building with such force that the vents on the opposing side of the building may not be adequate to relieve the pressure, thus resulting in damage or destruction of the roof and/or ceiling. This often occurs either because the building was constructed with more vents on one side than on the opposing side, or because the vents on one side are blocked by debris or insulation. Damage can occur when the net free air flow allowed to escape on the low pressure, leeward side of the building does not equal the net free air flow entering the roof on the high pressure, windward side of the building. Also, negative wind pressures or positive wind pressures produced by the high winds of hurricanes or intense storms can cause extensive damage to roofs with conventional roof venting, especially due to the cycling of wind pressures, i.e. the succession of periodically recurring positive and negative wind pressures.

Additionally, even though roof ventilation vents may have louvers or baffles designed to keep water out, they are not designed to keep out water driven by hurricane force winds, so may allow water to intrude into the roof, walls, or attic. Testing has shown that winds of over 90 mph may even drive water through the soffit vents under the eaves. Also, roof ventilation vents can be damaged by flying debris propelled by severe winds, necessitating expensive repairs.

Another problem with conventional roof venting occurs in wildfires. Airborne embers, transported by winds or breezes, can be drawn into the vents as the vents are functioning in a normal manner by drawing air into the roof.

The current invention advantageously addresses the above problems by providing the following: an easily attachable and removable device; a device that prevents damage by negative wind pressure or positive wind pressure during hurricanes or other storms; a device that prevents wind and water from entering the exposed soffit, gable, and other roof ventilation vents during hurricanes and intense storms; a device that prevents damage to the roof ventilation vents from flying debris; a device that prevents airborne embers from entering during wildfires; and a device that is easily removable during normal conditions to allow proper roof ventilation.

Additionally, it would be advantageous to have a convenient cover for the vents in other situations. For example, at times rodents, squirrels, bats, or other animals may damage the vent and gain access to the roof and/or attic. Also, when painting the building, a cover would provide a quick and efficient method to cover vents to protect existing vents from accidental paint spatters—saving time and effort in clean up and paint removal.

Currently existing vent covers are not adapted for these purposes. Some existing vent covers are constructed of metal wire screen intended to prevent animals from entering the vents. They are purposefully designed to allow maximum air flow, so as not to reduce the normal roof ventilation; therefore, they are not useful in the situations where it is preferable to eliminate or reduce airflow into the vents.

Other currently existing vent covers are complex, having numerous interconnected parts with intricate components or difficult methods to control the closure of the vents, such as, for example, an interior damper that must be appropriated weighted at a specific weight in order to obtain the desired response at the critical wind force or, for a further example, an interior spring biased plate that must be blindly and remotely operated, and that even the inventor concedes “would not be easily capable of direct manual operation under ordinary circumstances”. Therefore, the current invention is more straightforward and easy to use, plus is more robust and less susceptible to failure due to having fewer interconnected parts and, thus, fewer possible points of failure, than these complex existing vent covers.

Accordingly, there is an established need for a temporary, convenient, economical, easy-to-attach and easy-to-remove vent cover for a residential or commercial building that is capable of reducing or eliminating airflow into the roof ventilation vents, thereby preventing wind, water, and flying debris damage from the positive or negative wind pressures of hurricanes, preventing fire damage from wildfires, and preventing accidental paint splatters when painting around the vents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a convenient, removable roof ventilation vent cover that is capable of covering the vent to prevent a pressure differential, water intrusion, or damage from debris during hurricanes, to prevent airborne embers from entering during a firestorm, and to protect the vent against accidental paint splatters. The roof ventilation vent cover includes a substantially rigid, thin planar base member, one or more substantially rigid, thin planar side members substantially perpendicular to the planar base member, and substantially rigid, thin planar first and second securing members substantially parallel to the planar base member.

The first and second securing members are preferably configured with holes adapted to receive fastening elements. The fastening elements are preferably permanently mounted to the building and configured to fit in the holes of the first and second securing members to removably mount the roof ventilation vent cover over the roof ventilation vent. The width, length, and depth of the vent cover will preferably be slightly larger than the width, length, and depth of the vent to allow the vent cover to accommodate the roof ventilation vent. The roof ventilation vent cover is designed to be installed in anticipation of a hurricane, of a firestorm, or of painting in the area around the roof vent.

An object of the cover for a roof ventilation vent of the present invention is to provide a roof ventilation vent cover that can be adapted for use with a wide variety of conventional roof ventilation vents.

A further object of the cover for a roof ventilation vent of the present invention is to provide a roof ventilation vent cover that is inexpensive.

Another object of the cover for a roof ventilation vent of the present invention is to provide a roof ventilation vent cover that is configured to easily attach and easily detach from the roof ventilation vent.

An additional object of the cover for a roof ventilation vent of the present invention is to provide a roof ventilation vent cover that will guard the roof ventilation vent from wind, water, flying debris, fire embers, and/or paint splatters.

A further object of the cover for a roof ventilation vent of the present invention is to reduce roof damage from negative or positive wind pressures resulting from hurricanes or other intense storms.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building, showing airflow in a conventional roof ventilation system of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first preferred embodiment and a second preferred embodiment of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention, illustrating their application over a soffit vent and over a gable end vent on the exterior of a building;

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of the first embodiment of the roof ventilation vent, as installed over a soffit vent;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway view along the lines of 4-4 of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention, illustrating its installation over a soffit vent;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view along the lines of 5-5 of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention, illustrating its installation over a soffit vent;

FIG. 6 is a top view showing the second preferred embodiment of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the third preferred embodiment of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view showing the fourth preferred embodiment of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a top view showing the fifth preferred embodiment of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a convenient, easy-to-attach and easy-to-remove cover for a roof ventilation vent that has been tested during hurricane force winds and found to be capable of removably covering the roof ventilation vent to prevent a pressure differential and/or damage from flying debris and/or water intrusion during hurricanes, to reduce or prevent roof damage from cycling of positive and negative wind pressures, to prevent airborne embers from entering during a firestorm, and to protect the vent against accidental paint splatters.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a building in the form of a residential dwelling or house 18, representing an exemplary conventional application of roof ventilation vents, having a gable end vent 25 installed in a gable end 22 of the house 18 and having a soffit vent 20 installed under the eaves on a horizontally projecting soffit 15 of the house 18. Soffit vent 20 and gable end vent 25 may be flush with the exterior surface of the house 18 or may extend or protrude slightly. The intake airflow 11 flows into soffit vent 20, allowing the uptake of fresh air which passes through the roof 19 area, allowing exhaust airflow 12 from within the structure to escape to the atmosphere via gable end vent 25. The intake airflow 11 and exhaust airflow 12 may either be designed to operate in an active manner with a conventional device increasing the amount of airflow or to operate in a passive manner. Although in general such a typical roof ventilation process is beneficial, in particular situations it is desirable to temporarily cover the roof ventilation vents 20, 25. To this end is provided the roof ventilation vent cover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown generally as reference number 10, as is illustrated in FIG. 2, shown in application on gable end vent 25 and soffit vent 20. It will be appreciated immediately, however, that the roof ventilation vent cover 10 could just as easily be utilized on any residential or commercial building and utilized to cover a variety of other roof ventilation vents of various styles, shapes, dimensions, and locations than those illustrated.

Roof ventilation vent cover 10 includes a substantially rigid, thin planar base member 21, one or more substantially rigid, thin planar side members substantially perpendicular to the planar base member 21, and substantially rigid, thin planar first and second securing members 24, 34 substantially parallel to the planar base member 21. Roof ventilation vent cover 10 is preferably a unitarily molded unit of metal or plastic or other polymer. However, it is not required that roof ventilation vent cover be constructed as a unitary structure; in alternative, it may be formed of individual members and bonded together or mechanically joined together by conventional means.

In the first embodiment of FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, generally referred to as 10 a, the planar base member 21 is substantially rectangular and is provided in a length and width slightly larger than the length and width of the soffit vent 20 to allow the roof ventilation vent cover 10 a to accommodate and cover the existing soffit vent 20 which has been installed in soffit 15.

A first longitudinal side member 28 (FIG. 4) and a second longitudinal side member 38 (FIG. 3, FIG. 4) are preferably formed integrally with, or alternatively joined to, the opposing longitudinal edges of planar base member 21, substantially forming a right angle. A first lateral side member 26 (FIG. 3, FIG. 5) and an opposing second lateral side member 36 (FIG. 3, FIG. 5) are preferably formed integrally with, or alternatively joined to, the opposing lateral edges of planar base member 21, substantially forming a right angle. The depth that the first lateral side member 26, second lateral side member 36, first longitudinal side member 28, and second longitudinal side member 38 extend from planar base member 21 is slightly larger than the distance that soffit vent 20 protrudes or extends from the surface of the soffit 15 of house 18, to accommodate the soffit vent 20.

A first securing member 24 and a second securing member 34 are preferably formed integrally with, or alternatively, joined to, the distal edges of first lateral side member 26 and second lateral side member 36, respectively, substantially forming a right angle, and therefore, are in a plane substantially parallel to the planar base member 21. First securing member 24 and second securing member 34 are configured with holes 14 (FIG. 5) adapted to receive a fastening element 40. The number, size, configuration, and positioning of the holes 14 may be varied as required to secure the roof ventilation vent cover 10 over the roof ventilation vent.

Fastening element 40 is designed to withstand the pressure of hurricane force winds. Fastening element 40 is any conventional device that functions to hold together two separate parts yet that can be removed, such as, for example, various types of nails, screws, anchors, toggle bolts, or other bolts, the choice of which will be dependent upon the specific material and location of application of the roof ventilation vent cover 10. For one example, in FIG. 5 is illustrated a fastening element in the form of a hanger bolt, which is configured with wood screws on one end and machine screws on the opposing end, for instance, for installation of roof ventilation vent cover 10 onto a wood soffit 15. A corresponding nut 42 is supplied. Preferably the nut 42 will be a wing nut for ease of application if a manual installation and removal of roof ventilation vent cover is anticipated. Alternatively, any of a variety of other fastening modalities that can withstand hurricane force winds can be utilized for fastening element 40.

To use the roof ventilation vent cover 10 of the present invention over a roof ventilation vent installed on a wood soffit 15, fastening element 40 is substantially permanently installed just outside the lateral side of the soffit vent 20, using the wood screw-type threads of the hanger bolt in a location corresponding to the location of the hole 14 in first securing member 24. Optionally, a template of the hole 14 locations may be included with the roof ventilation vent cover 10 to facilitate this installation; this template being held in place over the roof ventilation vent area on the soffit 15 to easily locate the position of the holes 14 in the securing members 24, 34. Then a second fastening element 40 is installed using the wood screw-type threads of the hanger bolt in a location corresponding to the location of the hole in second securing member 34. Next the roof ventilation vent cover 10 is placed over the soffit vent 20 in a position allowing the installed fastening elements 40 to extend through the holes 14 of the first securing member 24 and the second securing member 34. The roof ventilation vent cover 10 is then secured by engaging and tightening a corresponding nut 42 on each of the fastening elements 40. When desired, to remove the roof ventilation vent cover 10, the nuts 42 are untightened and disengaged from fastening mechanisms 40. Similarly, installations of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention can be made using other types of screws, anchors, or nails. Testing of the current invention as utilized in this manner has proved to withstand hurricane force winds.

The permanent mounting of a fastening element 40 provides for convenient repeated use of roof ventilation vent cover 10. For example, the above steps can be performed in a first hurricane preparation, then after removal the roof ventilation vent cover 10 can be stored until needed again, and then the above steps repeated for a second hurricane preparation, etc.

FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 illustrate a second, third, fourth, and fifth preferred exemplary embodiment of the roof ventilation vent cover of the present invention, generally referred to by the reference numerals 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, and 10 e, respectively. The second, third, fourth, and fifth exemplary embodiments of the roof ventilation vent cover 10 are substantially similar to, and function in a similar manner to, the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, but illustrate the exemplary variations of shape to accommodate the conventional roof ventilation vents commercially available, and therefore, necessarily have a variation in the number of side members, in the structure of first securing member 24 and second securing member 34, and in the position of the holes 14 in the securing members.

The roof ventilation vent cover 10 b (FIG. 6) illustrates a triangular shape configured to fit over and to cover a conventional triangular gable end vent 25, so therefore, has only three side members, 37, 38, 39. First securing member 24 and second securing member 34 are disposed on side member 37 and side member 38 and are configured with holes 14 to receive fastening elements 40, in a similar manner to the first embodiment. Although illustrated with only two securing members, an additional third securing member can be provided, if desired, for additional support. In other aspects, the second exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the first exemplary embodiment described above.

The roof ventilation vent cover 10 c (FIG. 7) illustrates a circular shape configured to fit over and to cover conventional circular roof ventilation vents, so first lateral side member 26, second lateral side member 36, first longitudinal side member 28, and second longitudinal side member 38 are preferably joined to form a preferably continuous circular side member 30. First securing member 24 and second securing member 34 are disposed on opposite sides of the circularly shaped roof ventilation vent cover 10 c and configured with holes 14 to receive fastening elements 40, in a similar manner to the first embodiment. In other aspects, the third exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the first exemplary embodiment described above.

The roof ventilation vent cover 10 d (FIG. 8) illustrates a circular shape configured to fit over and to cover conventional circular roof ventilation vents having side member 30 and also having the securing members joined to form circular securing member 33, annularly disposed on the circularly shaped roof ventilation vent cover 10 d, substantially perpendicularly joined to the edge of side member 30. Circular securing member 33 is configured with holes 14 to receive fastening elements 40, in a similar manner to the first embodiment. In other aspects, the fourth exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the first exemplary embodiment described above.

The roof ventilation vent cover 10 e (FIG. 9) illustrates a octagonal shape configured to fit over and to cover conventional octagonal roof ventilation vents, so has eight side members, and also illustrates eight securing members 16, 17, 41, 23, 24, 27, 29, 31, 34 disposed on the eight sides of octagonally shaped roof ventilation vent cover 10 e, substantially perpendicularly joined to the edges of the eight side members, respectively. Securing members 16, 17, 41, 23, 24, 27, 29, 31, 34 are configured with holes 14 to receive fastening elements 40. In other aspects, the fifth exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the first exemplary embodiment described above.

As will be apparent from the five exemplary embodiments, the roof ventilation vent cover 10 of the present invention is well adapted for use with a variety of roof ventilation vents of a variety of sizes, types, and shapes. The securing members and the holes 14 have been shown in conventional configurations, meant to illustrate and not to limit the present invention to a particular size, type, or style. The number, size, configuration, and positioning both of both securing members and of holes 14 may be varied as a function of the material and particular specifications of the roof ventilation vent cover 10, as required to cover traditionally available roof vents, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the roof ventilation vent cover 10 of the current invention is well adapted to reduce roof damage from negative and positive wind pressures, or from cycling between negative and positive wind pressures, resulting from hurricanes or intense storms, to guard the roof ventilation vents from wind, water, flying debris, fire embers, and/or paint splatters, as well as to prevent animal damage or entry into the roof area. Beneficially, the roof ventilation vent cover 10 conveniently functions as a straightforward, temporary vent cover which is easy to install when needed, yet easy to remove to allow for typical roof ventilation during normal conditions.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building, said vent cover comprising: a generally thin, rigid planar base member, the shape of said planar base member conforming generally to the shape of said ventilation vent with the width and length of said planar base member being sized slightly larger than the width and length of said ventilation vent; at least one generally thin, rigid planar side member joined to said planar base member in a substantially perpendicular manner, said at least one side member configured to extend from said planar base member a slightly larger distance than the distance said ventilation vent extends from said exterior of said building; at least one generally thin, rigid planar securing member joined to said at least one side member in a substantially perpendicular manner, said at least one securing member configured with at least one hole, whereby said at least one securing member is to be secured on said exterior of said building in such a manner that said vent cover substantially covers said ventilation vent.
 2. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building, as recited in claim 1, wherein said planar base member, said at least one side member, and said at least one securing member are formed unitarily.
 3. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building, as recited in claim 1, wherein said planar base member, said at least one side member, and said at least one securing member are joined by bonding.
 4. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one fastening element adapted to secure said at least one securing member to said exterior of said building, wherein said at least one fastening element is sized and configured to fit through said at least one hole of said at least one securing member, and wherein said at least one hole in said at least one securing member is adapted to receive one of said at least one fastening element.
 5. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building as recited in claim 4, further comprising at least one corresponding nut sized and configured to fit on said at least one fastening element to secure said at least one securing member to said exterior of said building, whereby said vent cover is removably mountable to the said exterior of said building and secured over said ventilation vent.
 6. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building as recited in claim 5, wherein said at least one fastening element is permanently mountable onto said exterior of said building.
 7. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building as recited in claim 6, wherein said planar base member is substantially circular.
 8. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building as recited in claim 6, wherein said planar base member is substantially hexagonal.
 9. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building as recited in claim 6, wherein said planar base member is substantially triangular.
 10. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building as recited in claim 6, wherein: said planar base member is substantially rectangular having opposing longitudinal edges and opposing lateral edges; said at least one side member comprises a first longitudinal side member and a second longitudinal side member, said first longitudinal side member and said second longitudinal side member joined substantially perpendicularly to said opposing longitudinal edges of said planar base member; said at least one side member further comprises a first lateral side member and a second lateral side member substantially perpendicularly joined to said opposing lateral edges of said planar base member; and at least one securing member comprises a first securing member substantially forming a right angle with said first lateral side member and further comprises a second securing member substantially forming a right angle with said second lateral side member.
 11. The vent cover for installation onto a ventilation vent located on the exterior of a building as recited in claim 10, wherein said planar base member, said at least one side member, and said at least one securing member are formed unitarily.
 12. A vent cover for installation onto an exterior of a building over a ventilation vent, said vent cover comprising: a generally thin, rigid, rectangular planar base member configured to fit over said ventilation vent, with the length and width of said planar base member being slightly larger than the width and length of said ventilation vent, said planar base member having a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge; a first generally thin, rigid, rectangular longitudinal side member forming a substantially right angle with said first longitudinal edge, said first longitudinal side member configured to extend from said first longitudinal edge a slightly larger distance than the distance said ventilation vent extends from said exterior side of said building; a second generally thin, rigid, rectangular longitudinal side member forming a substantially right angle with said second longitudinal edge, said second longitudinal side member configured to extend from said first longitudinal edge a slightly larger distance than the distance said ventilation vent extends from said exterior side of said building; a first generally thin, rigid, rectangular lateral side member forming a substantially right angle with said first lateral edge, said first lateral member side member configured to extend from said first longitudinal edge a slightly larger distance than the distance said ventilation vent extends from said exterior side of said building; a second generally thin, rigid, rectangular lateral side member forming a substantially right angle with said first lateral edge, said second lateral member side member configured to extend from said first longitudinal edge a slightly larger distance than the distance said ventilation vent extends from said exterior side of said building; a first generally thin, rigid planar securing member forming a substantially right angle with said first lateral edge, said first securing member configured with one or more holes adapted for securing said securing member to said exterior side of said building; and a second generally thin, rigid planar securing member forming a substantially right angle with said second lateral edge, said second securing member configured with one or more holes adapted for securing said securing member to said exterior side of said building.
 13. The vent cover for installation onto an exterior of a building over a ventilation vent as recited in claim 12, further comprising multiple fastening elements adapted to secure said vent cover to said exterior side of said building, wherein said multiple fastening elements are sized and configured to fit through said one or more holes of said first securing member and of said second securing member, and wherein said one or more holes of said first securing member and said one or more holes of said second securing member are adapted to receive one of said multiple fastening elements.
 14. The vent cover for installation onto an exterior of a building over a ventilation vent as recited in claim 13, wherein said multiple fastening elements comprise toggle bolts.
 15. The vent cover for installation onto an exterior of a building over a ventilation vent as recited in claim 13, wherein said multiple fastening elements are configured with wood screw threads and with machine screw threads, wherein said wood screw threads are configured for threadingly engaging said exterior of a building.
 16. The vent cover for installation onto an exterior of a building over a ventilation vent as recited in claim 15, further comprising multiple corresponding nuts configured to threadingly engage with said machine screw threads of said multiple fastening elements, whereby said vent cover is removably mountable to the said exterior side of said building and secured over said ventilation vent.
 17. The vent cover for installation onto an exterior of a building over a ventilation vent as recited in claim 16, wherein said planar base member, said first lateral side member, said second lateral side member, said first longitudinal side member, said second longitudinal side member, said first securing member, and said second securing member are formed unitarily.
 18. The vent cover for installation onto an exterior of a building over a ventilation vent as recited in claim 16, wherein said planar base member, said first lateral side member, said second lateral side member, said first longitudinal side member, said second longitudinal side member, said first securing member, and said second securing member are joined by bonding.
 19. The method of installing a vent cover over a ventilation vent located on an exterior of a building, comprising: fitting said vent cover over said ventilation vent; engaging a first fastening element through a hole in a first securing member of said vent cover and into said exterior side of said building; tightening said first fastening element; engaging a second fastening element through a hole in a second securing member of said vent cover and into said exterior side of said building; tightening said first fastening element; engaging a first corresponding nut on said first fastening element; engaging a second corresponding nut on said second fastening element; threading said first corresponding nut along said first fastening element to secure said first securing member to said exterior side of said building; and threading said second corresponding nut along said second fastening element to secure said second securing member to said exterior side of said building.
 20. The method of installing a vent cover over a ventilation vent located on an exterior side of said building, as recited in claim 19 further comprising: threading said first corresponding nut along said first fastening element to loosen said first securing member from said exterior side of said building until said first corresponding nut is no longer engaged on said first fastening element; threading said second corresponding nut along said second fastening element to loosen said second securing member from said exterior side of said building until said second corresponding nut is no longer engaged on said second fastening element; and removing said vent cover from said ventilation vent. 